5 players who could switch allegiance and play for Spain

#1 Aymeric Laporte (France)

The Athletic Bilbao star's non-involvement in international football is sad given his quality

Possessing all the characteristics of the great modern defender -- ball playing ability, height, aerial presence, keen intelligence and an ability to play as a left-back when demanded --Laporte is a player whose ceiling is very high and it is a testament to the quality possessed by his native France (and the coach’s silly antics) that he is yet to get a senior cap for Les Bleus

Given the long line of quality centre-backs being produced in France (Varane, Umtiti, Kimpembe, Lucas et al), lots of pressure is being put on Laporte to switch allegiance to Spain so as to be eligible to play for La Furia Roja.

The 24-year-old was called up for two friendlies in 2016 by Deschamps but never came off the bench in either game.

Analysts have said his call-ups were a cynical attempt by Deschamps and the French Football Federation (FFF) to keep him away from the grasping hands of Spain as it has become clear that the coach has no place for him in his World Cup team.

When interviewed in 2016, Laporte made it abundantly clear that he had no desire to play for Spain but for France but the continued snubs by the French hierarchy have prompted the Basque-born player to declare his intention to switch sides.